Interchangeable wafer rings

ABSTRACT

A ring includes a ring body having a ring connecting member, a setting connective member which mates with the ring connecting member, and an interchangeable wafer arranged therebetween.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation-in-part, claiming priority toand the benefit of pending design patent application Ser. No. 29/495,522filed on Jul. 1, 2014 which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present subject matter relates generally to jewelry. Moreparticularly, the present subject matter relates to jewelry which can beconstructed and modified by a user.

BACKGROUND

Jewelry and accessories are popular in a variety of fashion contexts.However, the variety of contexts gives rise to a variety of types andstyles of jewelry which may suit the particular context. Further,jewelry wearers may wish to have a variety of options for any givenjewelry context, for coordination with particular outfits, or to fittheir mood or unique style.

As a result, there is a dizzying jewelry landscape and many fashionsavvy jewelry wearers possess an expensive and difficult-to-manageassortment of jewelry. Further, due to the materials employed andconstruction, wearers cannot easily modify the jewelry to suit theirimmediate tastes.

SUMMARY

Aspects disclosed include a ring comprising a ring body, a ringconnecting member extending radially from an outer side of the ringbody, the ring connecting member having a securing portion, and aninterchangeable wafer having a top side and a bottom side. Theinterchangeable wafer has an aperture extending through theinterchangeable wafer. The aperture extends through the top side and thebottom side and the ring connecting member extends through at least aportion of the aperture. There is also provided a setting connectivemember having a setting portion and a coupling portion, the couplingportion configured to couple with the securing portion of the ringconnecting member.

In further embodiments of the innovations, a ring is provided. The ringincludes a ring body, a ring connecting member extending radially froman outer side of the ring body, the ring connecting member having asecuring portion, and an interchangeable wafer having a top side and abottom side. The interchangeable wafer has an aperture extending throughthe interchangeable wafer. The aperture extends through the top side andthe bottom side and the ring connecting member extends through at leasta portion of the aperture. There is also provided a jewel having acoupling portion, the coupling portion configured to couple with thesecuring portion of the ring connecting member.

Various aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To better understand and appreciate the invention, refer to thefollowing detailed description in connection with the accompanyingdrawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example interchangeablewafer ring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates another view of an example interchangeable wafer ringin accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates another view of an example interchangeable wafer ringin accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates another view of an example interchangeable wafer ringin accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates another view of an example interchangeable wafer ringin accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of an example interchangeable waferring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded, cutaway view of an exampleinterchangeable wafer ring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of an alternative interchangeablewafer ring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded, cutaway view of an alternativeinterchangeable wafer ring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded, cutaway view of another alternativeinterchangeable wafer ring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded, cutaway view of yet another alternativeinterchangeable wafer ring in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 12 illustrates an interchangeable wafer ring having a light sourcewithin the wafer; and

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an interchangeable wafer ring having a gamewithin the wafer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects herein concern a ring or similar jewelry piece having at leastone interchangeable component, allowing customization by a wearer oruser. In embodiments, one or more of a ring (or base), a wafer (or otherelement having a hole therethrough or otherwise arranged forattachment), a setting, a jewel (or other element), and/or otheralternative, complementary, or combined (e.g., single-piece option inlieu of setting/jewel) can be mixed-and-matched using the describedtechniques for coupling such set forth herein.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate various views of an embodiment of a ring 100 inaccordance with the disclosures herein. Ring 100 includes ring body 140.Ring body 140 can have various dimensions. In the illustratedembodiment, ring body 140 has a generally annular shape, and may bedefined in terms of one or more of a ring body inner diameter, a ringbody outer diameter, a ring body thickness, a ring body curvature (ormultiple curvatures which define not only the profile of the ringvisible in, e.g., FIG. 2, but also the curvature between the inner andouter diameters), et cetera. In alternative embodiments, ring body 140may be elliptical, comprised of one or more straight edges, or arrangedusing one or more other shapes, and may in such embodiments be definedaccording to alternative dimensions. While ring body 140 is shown todefine a ring 100 for wear on, e.g., a user's finger or toe, it will beappreciated in view of the disclosures herein that similar techniquesfor adjustable and interchangeable jewelry (or other accessories) suchas earrings, hairpins, necklaces, bracelets, cufflinks, brooches,charms, et cetera can be utilized without departing from the scope orspirit of the innovation.

Interchangeable wafer 130 is coupled with ring body 140. While shown asdisc-shaped and with ring body 140 substantially centered thereunder,alternative arrangements can be realized using other shapes, sizes,multiple discs (of similar or dissimilar shapes, sizes andorientations), et cetera. Interchangeable wafer 130 has a top andbottom. In embodiments, the top and bottom can be symmetrical orasymmetrical, and/or similar or dissimilar in appearance.

Setting connective member 120 is arranged above interchangeable wafer130. Setting connective member 120 extends through an aperture ofinterchangeable wafer 130 and couples with ring body 140 as set forthhereafter. In embodiments, setting connective member may be astandalone, unitary component, or may optionally be coupled with a jewel110. Jewel 110 can, but need not, be a precious stone, and inembodiments can be any charm, trinket, inlay, or other element coupled(removably or permanently) with setting connective member 120.

FIGS. 6 and 7 respectively illustrate exploded perspective and explodedcutaway views of ring 100 to illustrate its assembly. Ring body 140includes ring portion 146 coupled to or created singly with ringconnecting member 142. Ring connecting member 142 includes securingportion 144. As illustrated, securing portion 144 is a threaded femalereceptacle configured to couple with at least setting connective member120. Whether attached or of unitary construction, ring connecting member142 extends radially from an outer side of ring body 140.

Interchangeable wafer 130 includes aperture 132 which has openings onthe top and bottom of interchangeable wafer 130 and extendstherethrough. While one aperture 132 is shown substantially centered, inalternative or complementary embodiments different aperture arrangements(including non-centered apertures, multiple apertures, apertures ofdifferent shapes and/or sizes) can be provided. While the geometry ofsetting connective member with reference to aperture 132 is discussedabove, FIGS. 6 and 7 better illustrate the relationship between ringconnecting member 142 and aperture 132. In embodiments, ring connectingmember 142 can be dimensionally less than aperture 132 such that ringconnecting member 142 passes at least partially through interchangeablewafer 130 via aperture 132. In alternative embodiments, ring connectingmember 142 may be of variable size such that ring connecting member 142is only partially enveloped by aperture 132, or may be larger thanaperture 132 such that interchangeable wafer 130 sits there atop.

Setting connective member 120 includes setting portion 122 and couplingportion 124. Setting portion 122 can be configured to accept or retain(removably or permanently) optional jewel 110. In alternativeembodiments, setting portion 122 need not accept any additional jewel110 or element. In embodiments, the dimensions of setting portion 122can be arranged to rest in a bevel of interchangeable wafer 130, extendat least partially into aperture 132, or otherwise complement thegeometry of interchangeable wafer 130 (or another element). Couplingportion 124 is constructed with or connected to setting portion 122 tocomplete setting connective member 120. Coupling portion 124 is sizedand arranged to couple with securing portion 144. As illustrated,coupling portion 124 is a threaded male insert.

In assembling ring 100, at least some portion of setting connectivemember 120 extends through aperture 132 of interchangeable wafer 130. Atleast a part of setting portion 122 (or jewel 110 attached thereto) islarger than at least one dimension of aperture 132. Coupling portion 124contacts and is coupled with securing portion 144. When coupling portion124 and securing portion 144 are coupled, setting connective member 120is attached to ring body 140. Interchangeable wafer 130 is securedtherebetween, locked from below by the larger dimensions of ring body140, from above by the larger dimensions of setting connective member120 (or jewel 110 attached thereto), and in other dimensions by at leastone of ring connecting member 142 and/or coupling portion 124 which arearranged therethrough.

FIGS. 8 and 9 respectively illustrate exploded perspective and explodedcutaway views of ring 200 having ring body 240, interchangeable wafer230, setting connective member 220, and jewel 210. Ring body 240 iscomprised of at least ring connecting member 242 having securing portion244 and ring portion 246. Interchangeable wafer 230 includes aperture232, and setting connective member 220 includes setting portion 222 andcoupling portion 224.

Setting portion 222 is skeletonized as depicted in ring 200. Settingportion 222 includes retaining prongs 226 which retain jewel 210. Inembodiments, retaining prongs 226 are displaceable and/or bendable topermit exchange of jewel 210. Specifically, jewel 210 can be providedwithin the grasp of retaining prongs 226 such that jewel 210 is securedwithin setting portion 222, but removed through displacement ordeflection of one or more of retaining prongs 226.

While the embodiment above discussing an exchangeable jewel 210 is shownwith respect to skeletonized setting portion 222, an exchangeable jewel210 need not be employed only with a skeletonized setting portion 222,and a skeletonized setting portion 222 need not be employed with everyexchangeable jewel 210. Various permanent or removable jewels can beretained by skeletonized, solid, or any other setting portion 222without departing from the scope or spirit of the innovation disclosedherein.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded cutaway view of ring 300 having ring body 340,interchangeable wafer 330, setting member 320, and jewel 310. Ring body340 is comprised of at least ring connecting member 342 having securingportion 344 and ring portion 346. Interchangeable wafer 330 includesaperture 332, and jewel 310 is formed with or connected to couplingportion 312.

In the embodiment of FIG. 10, ring 300 can be assembled with or withoutsetting member 320 as coupling portion 312 is disposed on a bottom ofjewel 310. In this manner, jewel 310 serves to secure interchangeablewafer 330 (and any other elements between jewel 310 and ring body 340such as setting member 320) against movement away from the assembly inat least one dimension. This embodiment accordingly permits theexchanging of jewel 310 without requiring removable connectivity betweenjewel 310 and setting member 320.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded cutaway view of ring 400 having ring body 440,interchangeable wafer 430, setting connective member 420, and jewel 410.Ring body 440 is comprised of at least ring connecting member 442 havingsecuring portion 444 and ring portion 446. Interchangeable wafer 430includes aperture 432. Setting connective member 420 includes settingportion 422 and setting coupling portion 424, and jewel 410 is formedwith or connected to jewel coupling portion 412. Within setting couplingportion 424 is jewel securing portion 426.

The coupling of jewel securing portion 426 and jewel coupling portion412 attaches jewel 410 to setting connective member 420. This embodimentaccordingly provides an alternative for removably connecting jewel 410and setting connective member 420. Setting connective member 420 threadsinterchangeable wafer 430 through aperture 432 to couple with ringconnecting member 442 of ring body 440.

FIG. 12 illustrates a ring 500 having a light source 550 withininterchangeable wafer 530. Light source 550 can be located at or on anypoint (or within or on any space) of wafer 530, and in embodiments,light source 550 can be distributed around wafer 530 or multiple lightsources 550 can be provided throughout wafer 530. Light source 550 canbe actuated by light trigger 552. While light trigger 552 is illustratedabout a radial edge of wafer 530, light trigger 552 can be locatedanywhere on or about wafer 530, and in embodiments is remote to wafer530 and activates light source 550 using wireless communication.Elements of ring 500 can be opaque or aligned to be illuminated or“light up” when light source 550 is powered. Light source 550 caninclude light emitting diodes, filaments, power storage elements (e.g.,a battery), switches, wiring, and/or other hardware.

Ring 500 also includes ring body 540, setting connective member 520,and, optionally, jewel 510. In embodiments containing jewel 510, jewel510 can also include a jewel light source 512 for providing illuminationon or from at least a portion of jewel 510.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a ring 600 having an interchangeablestorage wafer 630. Interchangeable storage wafer 630 is coupled withring body 640, setting connective member 620, and, optionally, jewel610. When removed, interchangeable storage wafer 630 can be opened as inFIG. 13B separating wafer bottom 634 and wafer top 636. A game 650 canbe stored in interchangeable storage wafer 630. In alternativeembodiments, interchangeable storage wafer 630 can be opened withoutremoval from the assembly of ring 600 (e.g., using one or more openingsor cuts through at least one of wafer bottom 634 and wafer top 636,based on an aperture size through wafer top 636 being greater than theaperture size of wafer bottom 634 and capable of sliding over at leastsetting connective member, et cetera).

While the FIGS. show securing portions and coupling portions having athreaded arrangement, alternative embodiments need not employ threadingexclusively or in conjunction with other means of connecting variouscomponents. Various other connectors or retaining elements, such asdetents, O-rings, magnets, friction fits, adhesives, touch fasteners,buttons, clips, et cetera, can include complementary mating portionsdisposed on at least a securing portion and a coupling portion to effectthe assembly of a ring disclosed herein.

In embodiments, one or more sealing members can be provided betweenvarious components, about a securing portion, or about a couplingportion. In embodiments, the sealing member can be an 0-ring. Forexample, an 0-ring can be arranged around at least one of the couplingportion and the ring connecting member.

Various materials can be used in the construction of rings andcomponents thereof described herein. In an embodiment, construction canbe made at least in part of a metal. In specific embodiments, the metalcan be a non-tarnishing metal such as, e.g., stainless steel, titanium,siladium, hard gold alloy, and platinum. In alternative or complementaryembodiments, at least a portion of the ring's construction is made of aplastic.

The interchangeable wafer can include a decorative pattern or design,such as flowers, holiday themes, religious themes, astrological signs,varsity letters, milestone remembrances such as a graduation year,wedding themes, commercial characters such as Disney® characters, TVcharacters, messages, and others.

Other components can also include decorative elements. In an embodiment,a setting member or setting connective member can include decorativeaspects. A setting member or setting connective member can also includea bezel to be placed about a jewel.

Where permanent connections are made between elements or sub-elements ofa ring disclosed herein, techniques involving thread, glue, cement,solder, et cetera can be employed.

While principles and modes of operation have been explained andillustrated with regard to particular embodiments, it must beunderstood, however, that this may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spiritor scope. The disclosure is to be considered as illustrative and notrestrictive in character, it being understood that exemplary embodimentshave been shown and described and that all changes and modificationsthat come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protectedby the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ring comprising: a ring body; a ring connectingmember extending radially from an outer side of the ring body, the ringconnecting member having a securing portion; an interchangeable waferhaving a top side and a bottom side, the interchangeable wafer having anaperture extending through the interchangeable wafer, the apertureextending through the top side and the bottom side, the ring connectingmember extending through at least a portion of the aperture; a settingconnective member having a setting portion and a coupling portion, thecoupling portion configured to couple with the securing portion of thering connecting member.
 2. The ring of claim 1, further comprising asealing member arranged about at least one of the coupling portion andthe ring connecting member.
 3. The ring of claim 1, the ring body is anon-tarnishing metal.
 4. The ring of claim 1, wherein the ring body is aplastic.
 5. The ring of claim 1, further comprising a light source ofthe interchangeable wafer.
 6. The ring of claim 1, further comprising agame element within the interchangeable wafer.
 7. The ring of claim 1,the setting portion comprised of solid sidewalls.
 8. The ring of claim1, the setting portion comprised of skeletonized structure.
 9. The ringof claim 1, further comprising a jewel coupled with the setting portion.10. The ring of claim 9, further comprising one or more retaining prongsabout the setting portion, the one or more retaining prongs removablyretain the jewel.
 11. The ring of claim 9, the setting portion is atleast partially displaceable or deflectable to facilitate removal of thejewel.
 12. The ring of claim 9, further comprising: a jewel couplingportion attached to a bottom jewel side, the bottom jewel side isrecessed within the setting portion; and a jewel securing portion of thecoupling portion, the jewel coupling portion couples with the jewelsecuring portion to removably couple the jewel and the settingconnective member.
 13. A ring, comprising: a ring body; a ringconnecting member extending radially from an outer side of the ringbody, the ring connecting member having a securing portion; aninterchangeable wafer having a top side and a bottom side, theinterchangeable wafer having an aperture extending through theinterchangeable wafer, the aperture extending through the top side andthe bottom side, the ring connecting member extending through at least aportion of the aperture; a jewel having a coupling portion, the couplingportion configured to couple with the securing portion of the ringconnecting member.
 14. The ring of claim 13, further comprising asetting member.
 15. The ring of claim 14, the setting member isconstructed of solid sidewalls.
 16. The ring of claim 14, the settingmember is skeletonized.
 17. The ring of claim 1, further comprising asealing member arranged about at least one of the coupling portion andthe ring connecting member.
 18. The ring of claim 1, further comprisinga light source of the interchangeable wafer.
 19. The ring of claim 1,the ring body is a non-tarnishing metal.
 20. The ring of claim 1,wherein the ring body is a plastic.